Mark Kay on Motivation

Think you got a good grasp of motivation principles? Mel Silberman, in his book - The Consultant's Toolkit: High-Impact Questionnaires, Activities, and How-to Guides for Diagnosing and Solving Client Problems - offers tips on what leaders can do to motivate others. Here are three principles from his list I want to highlight with my thoughts added:

1. Positive thoughts motivate.
When the group you lead attains its goals, advertise your success. Thank individuals for the success of the group.

When you advertise success, you are also creating momentum. And we all know the BIG 'MO' is very important when it comes to leading a team.

2. Enjoyment motivates.
Find out what people like to do and when possible, have them do the tasks they enjoy. Demonstrate your pleasure when people and the team succeed. Build in enjoyable social activities for everyone, such as having coffee or lunch together.

If you are not big on social activities, tap into the power of the team for support. You just may have a social king or queen willing to lead the charge.

3. Feeling important motivates.
Ask people for their opinions. Listen intently to what they say. Consider their thoughts carefully Give credit when you use somebody's idea.

I'm reminded of Mary Kay Ash's quote: Everyone has an invisible sign hanging from their neck saying, 'Make me feel important.' She says we should never forget this message when working with people.